Con forza
With force, with strength
"Con forza" is an Italian expression that translates to "with force" or "with strength" in English, conveying the meanings of "power" or "intensity".
In music, "con forza" is an instruction used to guide performers to play with a strong and forceful quality, evoking a sense of robustness and emphasis.
In other words, when interpreting "con forza", performers should aim to infuse the music with a powerful and intense energy, allowing the audience to experience a musical performance that is marked by strength and impactful expression, conveying a commanding and emphatic presence in the piece being played.
Example of Con forza
subito con forza / Unsuk Chin / Klaus Mäkelä / Oslo Philharmonic
Common Expression Markings
Musical Terms | Meaning |
Affettuoso | Affectionate, expressive |
Agitato | Agitated, restless |
Animato | Animated, lively |
Appassionato | Passionate, emotional |
Brillante | Brilliant, shining |
Brioso | Lively, vivacious |
Bruscamente | Abruptly, suddenly |
Buffo | Comic, humorous |
Cantabile | Singing, song-like |
Celere | Fast, quick |
Colossale | Colossal, enormous |
Comodo | Comfortable, convenient |
Con amore | With love, affectionately |
Con brio | With vigor, with spirit |
Con forza | With force, with strength |
Con fuoco | With fire, with passion |
Con grazia | With grace, with elegance |
Con moto | With motion, with movement |
Con spirito | With spirit, with energy |
Dolce | Sweet, gentle |
Doloroso | Sorrowful, painful |
Drammatico | Dramatic |
Energico | Energetic, forceful |
Espressivo | Expressive |
Feroce | Fierce, ferocious |
Festoso | Festive, joyful |
Furioso | Furious, violent |
Giocoso | Playful, joyful |
Grandioso | Grand, majestic |
Grazioso | Graceful |
Lacrimoso | Tearful, weeping |
Leggiero | Light |
Maestoso | Majestic |
Marcato | Emphasized, accentuated |
Misterioso | Mysterious |
Pesante | Heavy, weighty |
Risoluto | Resolute, with determination |
Scherzando | Jokingly, playful |
Semplicemente | Simple, plainly |
Slancio | Impulse, momentum |
Solitario | Solitary, lonely |
Sonore | Sonorous, resonant |
Sostenuto | Sustained, steady |
Sotto voce | Soft voice |
Tranquillo | Calm, peaceful |
Volante | Flying, light |